Ruddock undaunted by Twickenham trip

Wales coach Mike Ruddock believes his Grand Slam-winning side will have nothing to fear when they travel to Twickenham to open the defence of their RBS 6 Nations crown against England next February.

The 2006 championship draw was announced on Wednesday, sending Wales to Twickenham on the opening weekend.

It is a fixture which might once have seemed a daunting task. After all, it was only three years ago that Wales were thumped 50-10 by England at Twickenham. But not any more.

Ruddock said: "We now have a great target ahead of us to try to get a result at Twickenham when we open the defence of our Six Nations title against England next year.

"We have used the word 'exciting' a lot this season and our opening fixture in next season's championship certainly falls into that category.

"There is a lot of water to go under the bridge before we go to Twickenham and before we can even start to think about our title defence we have to focus on some very big Autumn Tests against the superpowers of the southern hemisphere.

"If we can perform well against South Africa and Australia, we should have some confidence to take with us to Twickenham.

"England will be gunning for revenge as they try to re-establish themselves as the top team in the northern hemisphere. And we must not forget they are still the reigning world champions.

"But having won in Argentina last summer, and three times on the road in the championship this year, means that playing away from home is not as daunting as it used to be."

If Ruddock's men are to complete back-to-back Grand Slams they will have to seal it by beating France at the Millennium Stadium on the final weekend.

In between, Wales host Scotland at the Millennium Stadium, travel to Ireland and face the Italians in Cardiff.

"The real bonus next season is that we get to play three games at the Millennium Stadium," said Ruddock.

"If the support and the atmosphere are anything like they were in Cardiff for our wins over England and Ireland this season then we will take a bit of beating."

After taking on Wales on the opening weekend, England face three consecutive away games - against Italy, Scotland and France - before closing their championship at home to Ireland.

The championship opens on February 4 and the final round of matches will all be played on March 18, with England against Ireland the finale with a 5.30pm kick-off.